It's the CAN for me

It's the CAN for me......when I first heard about the CAN it was from my cousin. She was talking to me about the infant mortality rate among black and brown women in Philadelphia. I had never heard of such a thing, I didn't even know it was a thing. It was a heavy conversation but I was intrigued so I said "sign me up for the meetings, I need to know more!" My first meeting I didn't want to say too much because I didn't know how I would be accepted, but I took a chance and the response was very welcoming and non-judgemental.They were talking about stats for the black and brown fetal mortality and one sister named Pam said something that made my heart skip a beat, at the same time it was so true and so powerful. I had to respond, and the family as a whole showed me nothing but respect and support. Anything I didn't understand was broken down to me In the simplest form. I was hooked! Every meeting I could make, I was there. I get excited when I know we are having meetings. Still. I started developing personal relationships with the other moms, babies and the whole CAN family. I have learned so much being a part of this family. And I've grown quite a bit as well. I have started new training and new careers with my CAN family that will serve me throughout the rest of my life. There are things I never knew I needed that I have been introduced to like, self time, peer support, accepting help, learning to be totally comfortable with my inner self. I have become a certified peer support worker with employment from Newborn's and neighbors through the CAN. I have also been able to take part in so many network opportunities and ways to help make the community we live in better to accommodate us. I have connected so many resources to so many moms to get whatever help is necessary, friends and family as well. I am so honored and proud to say I am a part of the CAN and will be apart as long as I can breathe. I thank, love, and appreciate my CAN family.